Meet Lane Cove Author and Illustrator Serena Geddes

Serena Geddes is a local writer and illustrator.

One of the books she illustrated was Hijab Girl.

This book is about an eight-year-old called Melek. She cannot find a character in a hijab for her Book Week Parade. She can only find characters who wear a hood or scarf like Little Red Riding Hood. This inspires Melek and new girl Tien to write and illustrate their own story.

Larrikin Puppets recently transformed the story into a musical puppet show which debuted in Brisbane during Book Week 2022.

 

ITC asked Serena some questions about her life as a writer and illustrator.

Tell us About The Recent Adaptation of Hajib Girl.

Hazel Edwards and Ozge Sevindik Alkan wrote Hajib Girl.

It’s been quite a journey getting the story off the ground. Not many publishers were interested in taking on Hijabi Girl. It was later picked up by Muslim publishers Ali-gator Publishing.

Five years in the making, Larrikin Puppets transformed our story into a musical puppet show. With COVID19 delaying the show’s scheduling and flooding in the region earlier this year, Larrikin Puppets were finally able to secure a venue at the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct. The venue suited our culturally diverse story. The show ran for three days during Book Week and was hugely successful.

I flew to Brisbane for the launch. It was an excellent opportunity to meet the fantastic puppeteers Elissa, Brett and Lorraine, along with their design crew and musical director, who brought my drawings and our story to life.

How Many Books Have Your Written or Illustrated?

I began illustrating picture books in 2009 and have illustrated over seventy titles. These include the middle-grade series Lulu Bell, Totally Twins and Pepper Creek Ponies.

Some picture books I have illustrated include Hope is a Spark, Dad I Love You (available at Burns Bay Bookery for Father’s Day), and Why I Love My Mum.

I have written and illustrated two of my books, Rosie and Rasmus and Where the Dragons Live. You can borrow these books from the Lane Cove Library.

How Long Does it Take to Write or Illustrate a Book?

Each project is different and depends on the level of detail involved. I usually take three to four months to finish a book. This is from character development to roughs, to finish line work and then colouring the artwork.

Illustrators who work with more detail can take up to twelve months.

The artwork for chapter books, which are in black and white, are a little faster for me and usually takes between two to three months.

I am about to write and illustrate a series of graphic novels, and I hear they can take one to two years to create.

How Long Have You Lived in Lane Cove?

I moved to Lane Cove when I was twelve and went to school in Hunters Hill and Chatswood. I moved to Melbourne and returned to Lane Cove over two years ago.

What Are Some of the Things You Like to Do in Lane Cove?

I love people-watching and wandering through the markets once a month. We are lucky to have an excellent and resourceful library where I will pop in and work from time to time. I love exploring the recycled clothing shops we have here and, lastly, catching up with friends and their dogs around the area’s numerous parks.

What Is your Favourite Coffee Shop?

Story on Birdwood Lane, of course! Aside from the fantastic coffee and the kind and helpful team who work there, a fellow illustrator, Connie, works there too. She’s a brilliant artist!

Serena Geddes – Contact Details

Website: www.serenageddes.com
Instagram:  serenageddes_illustrator
Facebook: Serena Geddes